Jack Thomas Bartosz

Oct.
4, 2001 – Aug. 27, 2012

Through
years of treatments and trials, travels and tribulations,
Jack’s indomitable spirit, joyous personality and happy attitude
affected all who knew him. He changed the world with his ever positive
philosophy, believing in the goodness of people and the simple joys of
life while cherishing every moment of living fully, honestly, happily,
wisely and always with wonder and enthusiasm.

Jack
attended Swallow School in Hartland where, in spite of frequent
medical absences, he maintained straight As. He was a bright, shining
student loved by his teachers and his classmates for his quick wit,
happy outlook and considerate treatment of everyone, young and old. As
a Cub Scout, he was awarded the highest honor of The Order of The
Swamp Fox for his persistence, his congeniality and his positive
attitude.

Jack
loved to participate in numerous activities with his family and
friends and was particularly fond of golf. Jack would stand at the tee
on his favorite third hole at Chenequa Country Club and happily muster
all strength in a full-out determined effort to clear the water hazard
and land the ball safely on the green. He enjoyed tennis and swimming,
was a master of Legos and enjoyed fishing in the beautiful lakes of
northern Wisconsin. Jack was a cheese connoisseur, who delighted in
trying all varieties of cheeses and was often known as Cheddar Jack by
all who knew his love of cheese. As an avid Packers fan, he enjoyed
both watching and attending games and was befriended by Packer
quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As in all activities, he was happiest doing
his best and being exactly who he was, no pretenses, just resounding
honest to goodness joy of life.

Jack
will be deeply missed by his devoted family. He was the precious son
of Sarah and John K. Bartosz; loving brother of his twin sister Annie;
cherished grandson of Julie and Andy Detling and John W. Bartosz and
the late Carolyn Bartosz; adored nephew of Katie Detling, Chris and
Robynn Bartosz and David Bartosz; and playful cousin to Alex and Abby
Bartosz.

He
will be dearly missed by a multitude of friends, as well as those he
met from all over the country, including many nurses and doctors who
loved him and cared earnestly for his health and welfare while he
cared about keeping them entertained and laughing even when marching
bravely into a surgical procedure, treatment protocol or clinical
trial. Jack has left a legacy of sensitivity and compassion that was
wise beyond his years and will continue to inspire good works and much
laughter for all who knew and loved this wonderful soul that is and
will always be Jack. His philosophy was simple and pure:
“People, you just gotta believe. Be happy.”

The
family asks that memorial gifts be given to the I Back Jack Foundation
to fund research for pediatric cancers. Memorials may be sent to I
Back Jack Foundation, P.O. Box 41, Hartland, WI 53029, or online at www.ibackjack.org.
A celebration of Jack’s life will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 22, at Westbrook Church, 1100 Highway 83, Hartland, WI 53029.

“People
know me for my happiness. I don’t want people to think of me for
sadness.” – Jack
... you have made the world a happier, more hopeful place and will be
forever with us.